Cervical Spine Surgery--What to Expect During and After a Cervical Spine Procedure
86Cervical spine surgery is a procedure
that corrects the movement of the neck and alleviate nerve
compression. Like any major surgery, the prospect of cervical spine
surgery can be downright intimidating. If you are having a cervical
spine procedure in the future, continue reading to know what to expect
during and after surgery.
When is cervical spine surgery necessary?
The cervical spine begins at the base of the skull, made up of the first seven vertebrae which are abbreviated as C1,
C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 and C7. Compared to the other spinal vertebrae, the
cervical bones are smaller in size. The cervical spine functions to
support the skull, protect the spinal cord, and allow a diverse range
of head movement.
The cervical spine is stabilized by a system
of ligaments tendons and muscles. Ligaments prevent excessive
movement, while the tendons and muscles provide spinal stability,
balance and movement ability. Intervertebral discs (cushion pads)
between the vertebrae function as shock absorption, and allows slight
movement between the vertebrae.
Reasons for cervical spine surgeries
Cervical spine
surgery becomes necessary when a degenerative disease or deformity
occurs. With degenerative disease, the intervertebral discs shrink,
which causes a wearing down of the disc. The wearing down may lead to
disc herniation, which is a bulging of the discs. Degeneration results
in compression to the nerves which causes pain, numbness, tingling, and
weakness.
Individuals with cervical deformity, such as
hyperlordosis or swan neck may have cervical spine surgery to help
straighten and stabilize the spine. Cervical deformities leave the
neck vulnerable to injury, and some injuries may lead to dislocation or
fracture of the cervical vertebrae. Surgery in this case is beneficial
for relieving pressure on the spinal cord.
Cervical spine surgery procedure
The specific cervical spine procedure depends on what is causing the problem. Generally, surgeons use two techniques: decompression and stabilization. With cervical spine decompression surgery, the tissue that is impinging on a nerve structure is removed. A decompression procedure may be performed from the front (anterior cervical spine surgery) or the back (posterior surgery). The types of decompression procedures are:
- Foraminotomy, which creates a bigger space in the vertebra
- Laminotomy, creates a whole in the lamina of the vertebra to make more space for the spinal cord
- Facetectomy, removes the facet joint to relieve pressure on a nerve
- Laminoplasty, reconstructs the lamina to create more space for the spinal cord
- Discectomy, removes all or part of the herniated disc
- Corpectomy, the entire vertebral body is removed to gain access to the disc.
Stabilization
surgery limits movement between the vertebrae. This becomes necessary
when there is abnormal movement in the spinal column, which potentially
leads to nerve injury. Stabilization surgery is usually necessary after
a discectomy or corpectomy. The two stabilization techniques include:
- Fusion, which bonds the bones together via a bone graft; stop the motion between the vertebrae
- Instrumentation, fusion is supplemented by devices such as plates, screws, wires, cables, and rods.
A
new medical technology known as artificial disc replacement is another
option for cervical spine surgery. Instead of fusing the spine
together after surgery, a disc is replaced so the patient can retain
normal neck movement.
Depending on the severity of the
condition, a patient may qualify to undergo minimally invasive cervical
spine surgery. In this surgery, a small incision is made with the help
of an endoscope to disrupt the muscles minimally. Compared to normal
cervical spine
surgery, the pain and recovery time is less. This surgery relieves
patients from scoliosis,
herniated discs, and several other painful conditions.
Any type of surgery is performed while a patient is under general anesthesia.
Cervical spine surgery recovery
The hospital stay following cervical spine disc surgery may may up to seven days. Activity is an important part of recovery, a patient is encouraged to walk the first or second day after surgery. This is to reduce the risks of blood clots.
Normally a surgeon orders a collar/neck brace, and gives the patient specific instructions about its use.
Full recovery takes about 5 weeks. There are no
restrictions for walking or stair climbing during the recovery period.
For the first six weeks at home, objects heavier than 10 pounds should
not be lifted, especially over the head. Any sleep position that is
comfortable for the patient is acceptable as long as the neck brace is
worn properly. Driving is prohibited during recovery, but short rides
as a passenger is allowed.
Prescription medications are also provided for when the patient leaves the hospital. In the event of a bone graft procedure, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are prohibited for six weeks following surgery, as these medications may interfere with the healing. As an alternative, a patient may use hot or cold moist compresses over the site or shoulders.
Incisions may be washed with mild
soap and water, but tub baths, swimming pools, or any water immersion
should be avoided for six weeks after surgery.
Complications and risks
As with any type of surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with cervical spine surgery. Common risks include:
- Infections
- Adverse reaction to the anesthesia
- Potential of further injury to the spinal cord and the surrounding nerves
- Improper healing of spinal fusion
- Rejection of bone grafts.
It is important for the patient to understand the risks as well as the potential benefits of having the cervical surgery, making it possible to prepare adequately for the recovery period.
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I am 31 and had anterior neurosurgery 5 months ago. I had a discectomy at c4 - c5 level. I had a disc replacement rather than disc fusion!! Your length of stay in hospital is relatively short considering the nature of the surgery. They like to have you walking within 24 hours of the operation, and usually discharged within 2 to 3 days, however this will depend on your circumstances and condition. Your consultant should tell you all this information before your surgery. Time off work will depend on your occupation and how well you recover really. Driving is prohibited for appx 6 weeks. All the best for the future
I AM 47 AND HAD ANTERIOR NEUROSURGERY 8 WEEKS AGO. i HAD DISC REPLACEMENT WITH CADAVRE (SPELLING?) BONE C4-C5. THE SURGEON ALSO FUSED THE C4-C6. I AM SADDENED BECAUSE OF PAIN FROM TRAPEZIOUS AND NECK AREA. I WOULD PUT IT AT 9-10 ON PAIN SCALE. AM I WRONG TO EXPECT TO BE FEELING BETTER? SLEEPING POSITION IS HORRIBLE WITH MOST PAIN IN AM WITH PAIN WORSENING AS DAY GOES ON. I WAS HAVING A LOT OF TROUBLE WITH HEADACHES AND SHOULDER WEAKNESS PRIOR TO SURGERY. I AM IN THE FITNESS FIELD AND WONDER IF I AM EVERY GOING TO FEEL COMFORTABLE GOING BACK TO WORK. AM I RUSHING THINGS?
I WENT THREW ACDF AT C-5 TC C7IN 2005,WENT GREAT NOT EVEN A POST-OP VISIT. HAD ANOTHER AT C-7 TO T-1 AND THEY WENT THREW THE BACK AND IT'S NOW BEEN 13 MTHS, AND I FEEL WORSE THAN I EVER HAVE. I'M NOT SURE WHAT THEY DONE? I WENT FOR A FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY EXAM, I WAS IN SO MUCH PAIN THAT,MY BLOOD PRESSURE WAS SO HIGH THAT THEY REFUSED TO DO THE TEST. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH MY BLOOD PRESSURE. ALL I CAN SAY IS NEVER LET ANYONE GO IN AND WORK ON YOUR BACK, IF YOU HAVE ANY SENSE AT ALL..
I had a fusion of c5 and c6 with hardware. Im a 38 year old construction worker.I spent one night in the hospital, was driving my kids to and from school one week later with no pain, its been 2 1/2 weeks and im walking up to 3 miles a day at a slow/ safe pace. I would only recomend the surgury as a last resort as mine was due to spinal cord compression not to relive pain, i was ready to live with the pain until i was told about the long term effects of spinal cord compression.
I Had surgery 3 months ago. fusion c6 and c7. I was in the hospital for 24 hours. recovery was going great until i went back to work this week! I have a very physical job. pain is terrible!!!!! Not sure if this is normal!
I had surgery 10 month ago.fusion c6 throw c7 with plate and screw,My neck,should,arms,hands in so much pain everyday I wish I wouldn't of had it done.
Great post. It is really impressive and informative. I also had a surgery 1 year ago when I got a motor accident. My neck and elbow was suffering pain everyday. I can relate your sort based on my experienced also. I really enjoyed reading your post. Keep it up.
Nice video..Very informative shows in their..I have learned a lot about that..Thanks for sharing.
James Makker Neurosurgeon
I had a c5-7 ACDF 8 years ago and woke up feeling like nothing had ever been wrong. Then needed a c3-7 laminoforamintotmy a few months ago. Everything went great for that too.
i was rearended in december, now i have total sublaxation of C3-C4-C5-C6, have been through months of meds, therapy and injections, no help, now have a 6 inch drop of right side of body, they just put me on disability, the pain is like fire and there is numbness in right hand, i'm now being told i'll need surgery, my job requires lifting and lots of movement, one doctor says minimal three tier fusion, another is saying he wouldn't let anyone do a fusion, not effective enough get a second opinion, any opinions
I had surgery on Sept 6 had c4 and c5 c6 and c7 one day I am better and the next day I am not.I cant even wash my own hair, my arms hurt, It feels like I had a drape of pain over the the front of my chest clavicle area. Arm pain as well. Im wondering what kind of life will I have.I had spurs removed to, I have spondalyosis.It has been 4 weeks and I hurt worse than i did. I had the same surgeon for 3 neck surgerys.The other surgerys helped alot. Maybe I need more time. Email me if you have comments please help. greeneyes46k@verizon.net
I agreed about your post. The cervical prickle begins at the illegitimate of the skull, made up of the foremost digit vertebrae. Thank you for the information. Keep it up.
James Makker
I had C4/5/6 fused in 1998 as the result of major whiplash on August 1, 1997. I could hardly walk and my arms and hands were in terrible pain before. After, I was so sore and achy I wondered if it would ever get better. In maybe week 12 or 13 after surgery I started an exercise program that hurt at first; stretching by rotational, lateral, flexation and extension movements, chin tuck, etc. from a book "Fix your own neck". I started incline pushups about 6 months after and then acupuncture of the neck and shoulders two years later. Continued all exercises and acupuncture for 11 years. In year 11 C3/4 and C6/ started going bad and some pain has returned. Options are two more levels of fusion or ADRs. I'm going with ADRs. I am not looking forward to the pain and exercises that are to come along with the post op, but I'm going to get through it just like thee last one and remain flexible. I know that I have to keep moving or I'll freeze up. I'm going to keep moving. All soft tissues will be stretched and in a trauma state. So, I need to get them supple again by stretching and moving. I will start all processes mentioned above about 8 to 10 weeks after the surgery to allow healing. The first year will be slow and minimal on rotation, flex and extension so the ADR gets well seated. Heat and ice and acupuncture will be mainstay for maybe 2 or 3 years. These are heavy duty interventions and take a lot of time to gain full function afterwards. In physical therapy and condition - pain from being at the edge of the movement can result in no pain later on. Lots of the bunched muscles and tissues need to be re-stretched and re-healed. It is a long process like being real good at something. We all started out slow when were were first born and this is another time to start out slow. I have great range of motion and know the ADR will not allow the same, but I hope to get the most I can out of them.
I believe what you have said is correct. Men nowadays are continuing to exploring options for them to look good. It’s not just for the physical aspect but for your self esteem also. Can you post more details of men that face post-surgical depression? Do you have the numbers or statistics or perhaps testimonies? Thank you.
James Makker, MD
I'm 4 weeks post op from a 2-level artificial disc replacement surgery using the SpinalKinetics M6-c installed in C3/4 and C6/7 at Stenum Hospital Germany. I only have a few sore and stiff muscles. All the tingling in the hands as well as horrible cramping I used to have in the right hand is all gone. When I rode in a very bumpy train ride for 3 hours 2 weeks after surgery and I was amazed that I had No radiating pain at all. If I had done this prior to ADR surgery, I would have been in pain on pills and in bed for a few days afterwards. I am so happy I went to Germany and had this procedure. It is truly amazing. The airline flight home was tiresome, but it was the first flight in 14 years without pain for days afterwards. The limitation now is waiting the 8 weeks before driving. I'm currently laid off so the timing was great. I plan to be back working in January without limitations.
If you suffer from cervical or lumbar disc degeneration check out Karma Spine. THese guy's can help you become more normal.
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I am going on feb 7th for a c2 fusion. I broke it in 2 places in a car accident and they put me in a collar to heal but my bones are not healing at all. I am 21. I was wondering if there were any long term effects to having screws put into my neck and if i should be extremely worried about anything or if you can suggest any additional questions to ask my doc. My email is gothgurl1505@yahoo.com any replies are valued. THANKS
I had Corpectomy of c5 and 1/2 c6, also had bonespurs removed that were compressing into my spinal cord and bone grafted from my hip. I feel AMAZING!!! I actually came on site to look for exercises that I can start doing to lose some of this weight I gained while waiting to get the surgery. But from reading all this Maybe I should wait a few more weeks, I have already started walking a couple of blocks daily. Maybe that should be enough for now! Surgery was only 3 weeks ago today!!!
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i am scheduled for artifacal disc replacement at c6-7 c5-6 in april 2012 at barcelona spain ,with dr clavel ...im not worried about the disc i am worried where i have foraminal stenosis at 6-7 they they can reach it from the front and are able to open the foramina ...if any has any insight on whether they can reach it from the front as opposed to the posterior i would love to hear from you.....
Wow! It has only been just one week,since my c-5 with the bone graph and plate surgery was done on march 23rd 2012,guess I was expecting to hear better things.My pain just seemed to move from my left shoulder directly to the center the pain is so bad im starting to wonder if this was a good idea. I realize I need to give it alot more time. This has just put me in such a spin trying to remain the house painter I used to be. I'll check back here. Good luck all!
I'm having a anterior discectomy with autograft from my hip. I'm 55, very active and exercise often.
I need to fly to Hawaii for my son wedding (9 HR flight) 6 wks after surgery. I'm planning on doing isometric exercises and getting out of my seat often.
Is this a possibility. I have flight insurance in case it is not.
I had ACDF on C5/C6 on March 20, 2012. With it being almost two weeks post op I thought I would feeluch more relief at this point. Am I rushing it? I didn't have a collar and have not lifted etc... Little worried
I had cervical spine surgery 9 days ago. I'm a registered nurse and finding out I am very impatient with myself and the healing process. I had fusion (bone graft) of C4-C7. I know it going to take at least 4-5 weeks to start feeling better. It strange being the patient. I just finished a post-master adult nurse practitioner program last December and have been delayed in taking the national boards because of my neck problems. In my studies I've focused on pain and palliative care. It's strange that as a patient I think many of the principles of pain and pain relief don't apply to me. I know going through this will make me a better practitioner.
i have c7 touching nerv;3 4 5 also bulging and artrities ;pain down both arms right arm unberable;neck pain sholders.13 years 3 4 5 bulging disc;4 m0nths c7 horrible pain.stop working 3 months ago.applyed dissablity s.s 2 months ago.
I have L shoulder radicular pain due to SCDD at C5/C6, C6/C7. I have been trying to get my insurance company to pay their 70% out-of-network allowable amount without much success. I was going to Dr. Clavel in Barcelona, Spain and he was going to do a 2, possibly 3 level ADR using the M6-C. The insurance company says neither the M6 or a multi-level is FDA approved, so it's excluded. All I get from U.S. surgeons is a multi-level fusion which has a very bad track record (one person I know now has a Morphine Pump installed). If anyone knows of a way to get the insurance company to pay, please let me know by posting an answer here. ADR is WAAAYY better than fusion. I've researched this for decades because of a lumbar problem, now cervical is worse. Thanks all.
I just had disc replacement on 4/2/2012 and I think the worst of it all is this neckbrace that I have to wear till 4/30/2012 or longer don't know until my appt. I am in pain but This collar is horrible
I had cervical fusion on my neck in Feb. and now I have hives all over. I have gotten 3 steriod shots in the past 2 days and I am taking prednizone. And I still have hives. Yesterday at work my lip swelled up and was numb like I just left the dentist. Is it possible to be allergic to the metal plate?
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Glad I found this. I'm 37 and have no curve in my neck. A neurologist found it when I was 22. Didn't cause much problems till 3 years ago. The pain is excruciating. My surgery is May 8, 2012. I forget what its called but it was explained that I'm getting 4 cadavor bones and they are getting fused and something about clearing out my disk space and around the nerve area. My right ARM is almost useless. I've been on pain meds since I was 12. The pain this month was so bad I went through my pain meds in 10 out of 30 days. So now I'm just suffering till surgery. I've had 7 other surgeries mostly abdominal. This is the only one that scares me. I'm freaking out.
Beccasmith1974@yahoo.com
Hi Becca - I totally understand you freaking out...I am really scared as well. My surgery is May 2, 2012. I am having the same thing done as you but two bone grafts - not four. This site is making me worry. These people seem to regret having surgery. Look on YouTube because I found that almost everyone who posted something there, was happy they had gone ahead with surgery.
Good luck to you!
I need some positive help! I am having surgery to fuse disc c4 and c5. I am so scared to have the surgery, but I am in so much pain. I am only 32, and injured it at work, in which I am a special education aide. It has been over a month and a half since my injury, i have had 3 epidurals, and been to the doctor more times than i can count. I have left arm numbness, and sometimes pain, but mainly tingling in my fingers. My doctor said the ruptured disc is apparently pressing up against the nerve. Can anyone tell me what to expect the first 48 hours after surgery? My email is bindarunkel@gmail.com
I would appreciate any advice or tips to help me relieve my fears!
I broke my c2 on February 13th. I am 35 years old and have been in a halo for 9 weeks. I am praying for a miracle that I won't need fusion surgery. My left side is almost healed and my right side is about 50% healed. My surgeon (which I will not be going back to) is addiment on me only wearing the halo for 12 weeks and says I will need the fusion surgery. My question is, is there a way to just repair the ligament if the bone heals?
Day 19 after c5 c6 c7 spinal fusion with cages and a plate. No drugs other than panadol, no pain, no sleep though but hoping that will change. Walking to the corner and back most days which is about 1km. Ok riding in the car but not driving. Weakness in my arms when I try to wash my hair. Am I expecting too much to want to do more? Can anyone tell me what sort of restrictions they have for the same surgery.
I just had a fusion at C7- T1. My vertebrae was slipping far and my spinal cord was being touched. I've had neck pain for years because of degenerative discs. Now I'm feeling a lot of pain in my muscles in my upper back and upper arms. I didn't expect to be pain free as I have arthritis but he took the bone spurs off too........ so why am I having all this muscle pain still?!!!!!!!
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Hi Becca, I am now 25 days post surgery. No pain meds, panadol maybe once a day but not every day. I do have discomf from the base of my skull to the middle of my back. But not pain, just stiff muscles. Got driven to work and picked up yesterday and survived ok with just lying flat on the floor once for about 15 minutes. I couldn't use my left arm and had pain that was only controlled with morphine, lyrica, and oxycondone every day. I didn't have a bone graft though, I had two cages (filled with bone shavings from my spine) 1 plate and six screws. It is my understanding from my surgeon that your recovery time is fastest with the cages and plates. You should ask if you can have that and avoid the bone graft. That will increase your recovery time. I had no life prior to surgery. I pray that you have the same experience as me and that your surgery is a success.
Hi Vee, I just want to confirm to you that in no way do I regret having my surgery. It gave me my life back. I am currently doing all things that I used to less, lifting over 5kg, tilting my head to look at the ceiling and when I turn my head I turn from the waist I don't twist my neck. I just get tired by the end of the day. I pray that you are not scared and that God uses the surgeons hands to heal you both.
On April 27 I had corpectomy and replacement fusion on c6. I was having pain in my shoulders as well as forarm and bicep. Numbnessin all fingers depending on position I was standing. I also had mild scoliosis. My MRI showed no cusion between c6 and c7. The sugergy was to be anterior to add a wedge remove all bone spurs affecting nerves in my spinal cord. Once my surgeon strated the procedure he relized my spinal cord was compressessed and pinched. As of today I have no pain and taking minmal pain meds. Wearing my collar when I sleep and walking slowley around my culdesac. The only thing I am noting is slight vertigo every now and then will be calling my doctor about that. Recommend surgery highly for those in pain better to fix issue then live in agony.
I had a c5-7 anterior fusion in June of 2011 and did good for about 6 weeks and then my pain came started to come back and now its twice as bad as it was before the surgery I'M MISERABLE....but now theyre saying that the screws used are to long and entrapping the nerve and will need another surgery to correct it. My problem is I dont know how risky or dangerous is messing with the screws almost a year after they were put in not that i really care because i cant live with the pain much longer so I'd be willing to do practically anything to fix it
In 2009 I broke my neck in three places had neck fusion from c5 to t1 I have cage plate and six screws it hurts alot even two years prior
I had my C4-C5 fused with instrumentation and bone graft from my thigh last 2011..its been a year now after that operation..i don't feel much pain after the operation so i take pain relievers occasionally.. I'm just experiencing heaviness of my shoulders whenever im so tired from working...i started working in the office a month after my operation..my doc told me that i can have check ups now once a year cos my spine healed completely..Im 30 and i gained back all my motor skills and living normally..saved from the fact that i cant carry big heavy things anymore..that makes me sad...Im a single mom and before the operation I used to hug and carry my daughter..but its ok..at least now i can run and play with her anytime..At t he time of the surgery my spine was so compressed by the herniated disc that the doc said its so thin that it will takes minutes before i get paralyzed..Thank God I had been scheduled for surgery earlier than what is scheduled XD
Hi. My sis fiancé gone through the c5-c6 surgery due to barrelss pain and numbness on 1st may 2012. He's still in hosp n unable to walk still. He could feel anything below his hip after the surgery until now. Just started to move his fingers slowly but still can't grab or hold things properly. Going through rehab activities but not sure when he can recover fully. Their wedding is on 7th June but he's still hospitalized. Can someone tell roughly when he can recover fully? Also how long normally it will takes to recover from these kind of post surgery prob?
Really hopes that he can walk in another one or two weeks time, before thier ceremony. Is that possible?
Or else, worst come to worst, we need to cancel the ceremony which involve lost of deposits paid for the event.....
@Jennifer did they possibly use that bone growth stuff in your neck? Its only approved for the lumbar spine - and Medtronics tried to promote off label uses of it and it makes people swell in the neck. hmm
My father got a prblm that nerve cmprsd in c3 c4 c5 nd c6 ..4nd5 got severe cmprsd gap of 3mm..nw he got a numbns 2 his r8 hand...nw he is undergng treatment in psyothrpy tractn nd tens nd smal exercises..is it risky r no prblm if he go for surgery?pls help me
My father is also suffering from bulge at c2-c3 disk and
there is a slight increse in the bone on vertebrae c2 and c3, i tried and touched every hospital and spine surgeons, every one said we shd under go Surgery. We know Spinalcord surgery is at high Risk. We just joined here at Kerala ayurvedam and started treatment.
View James Makker's profile on the medicare database!!! Google his name and read what he does!!! He is a scam to these patients!!! He says you need mulitple surgeries to fix the issue but waits til after he 1st surgery to tell you that you will need a 2nd surgery and so on!!!! DO NOT USE THIS PERSON'S ADVICE NOR AS A DOCTOR!!!!
i will be very thankful as well as debtfull to you people if you make me understand the cause of my fathers death after being operated for c2-c3 cervical injury.3 days of his operation he was very fine but suddenly he became unconcious followed by seizures after a week. later we came to know that he got cerebral hypoxia.my question is when he was done tracheostomy all time he was on ventilator. so how come he had insufficient supply of 0xygen.i tell you the fact my dad was diabetic. if this is the reason we should be informed earlier. as the doctor said they can control the sugar and do the operation. the electrolytes was balanced, there was no sign of infection, csf test was negative. still the doctors were unable to find the cause. after seeing mri we found his cord was swollen from c2-c7 level. please please please i want to know the cause of these problems.if you require further study i will help you with that. please mail me at nirmal_singh82@yahoo.com. thanks
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michelle crockett 22 months ago
i am due to have anterior fusion surgery on c4 c5 c5 c6. i am only 37. do you know how long i will be in hospital after op, and how long i will be off work. any help would be great thanks michelle